My mom died just before Christmas - advice needed

[Gloryboo]

My mom died just before Christmas, and my first day of nursing school is coming up in January. I was with her during her entire stay at Hospice and was with her when she died. I was fortunate to observe some exceptionally skilled Hospice nurses whom I consider to truly be "angels among us." Every one of them were amazing and I am so glad to have met them. I try to focus on my blessings, but I never realized how powerful grief can be - its manifesting in pretty bad back and neck pain, GI upset, lack of energy, etc. How can I psych up for nursing school next week? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. God bless.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Hi GloryBoo,

i'm sorry to hear that you had to drop, but I completely understand, and it sounds like the door is still wide open for you. I had been wondering how you were doing. My dad died the day I posted to you originally (that evening he passed away). I was very fortunate also to be there with him when he passed. This has been a tough semester, dealing with the loss and all that accompanied it. I can't tell you how many times I was driving to clinicals or to campus and was crying thinking about what happened. One of the more difficult things for me was seeing my dad's doctor do rounds on the floor I was on...he loved his doctor and every time I saw him I wanted to say something to him, but I thought it was inappropriate to do so (being as I was there for clinicals) and I know if I had ever said something to him I'd have been a blubbering mess.

Take care...I hope this gives you the time you need to help deal with your loss. Sending you gentle hugs!

I am so sorry.